What is Photography?

The word photography is derived from two Greek words meaning “light” and “graph,” graph meaning to draw or write. Therefore, photography in a literal sense of the word means “to draw with light.” I interpret this meaning to photography being an art form utilizing light in the process of developing the images. In simple terms, photography is the art of forming images in real time.

Asking the question “what is photography?” is similar to asking “what is art?” The answer will be different coming from every person you ask because the definition is up for interpretation. Photography is a beautiful way to freeze moments in time from the perspective of the artist behind the camera. I think it is so cool that one moment could be captured in a million different ways by a million different people. What is photography for you? I can’t fully answer that question on your behalf. Maybe it is the answer to your sadness that your kids are growing older. It’s a way to keep them that age forever. Maybe it is something you do for fun in your spare time. It’s a way to decompress after a long day. Maybe it is nothing to you, but it can be everything for someone else.

So, what is photography? For me, it is a creative outlet. When I’m shooting, my imaginative side turns on. I love the feeling of having the artistic freedom to capture a family from my point of view, in a crafty and purposeful way. When I’m editing photos, I am in the zone. Everything else in my brain is quiet; I’m hyper-focused on producing the best possible images for my client. Photography is a way to illustrate the beauty that I notice around me at all times. Sometimes, it is my saving grace from this crazy world that we live in.